Monocle – Book of Japan book review

Monocle – Book of Japan

Thames and Hudson

Tyler Brûlé and his brainchild Monocle have had an intensive relationship with Japan ever since the inception of the magazine – a relationship which could be claimed to have been borderline formative as the magazine was informed by the core crew spending time late into the night behind the stacks at Tsutaya, absorbing how Japanese magazines not only seem to have an acute understanding of their readers at their core but form real relationships with them and think about what they are giving back for the cost of the magazine.

Needless to say, that Japan has been an often-visited subject of the international magazine ever since its very first issue, when an image of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force even took over the cover.

Given its inextricably linked deep connection to Japan, its admiration for the culture and having an established office on the ground in Tokyo, Monocle has had one of its foci firmly set on both Japanese craft culture as well the innate dignity of service and gentility that gradually seems to be getting recognition.

A tome on the endlessly fascinating and culturally rich country of Japan as part of Monocle’s portfolio was only going to be a matter of time and what has materialized now is an ode to a nation that the magazine has built up a unique understanding and passion for.

With the idiosyncratic thorough approach and Monocle unique voice, the reader is guided through a visually appealing curated array of examples from the worlds of Japanese fashion, food, design and architecture.

Striking a sophisticated balance between plenty of eye candy and informative essays, no matter how familiar one with this mysterious country might be, this book serves as a lens which allows to discover it anew.

If you are familiar and appreciate Monocle’s previous book release, this collaboration with Thames & Hudson will be an immensely satisfying and visually appealing addition to your collection - the uninitiated are in for a treat as The Book of Japan serves as an ideal introduction to the Monocle cosmos.